Pitch and putt champion laid to rest
CHAMPION pitch and putt player Shane Murphy was laid to rest in Carrigaline, Co. Cork yesterday.
Shane, 27, was stabbed at home in an attack that also left his father, Patrick ‘ Weeshie’ Murphy , with serious injuries. Shane Murphy’s brother, John, 42, has been charged with his murder, and the attempted murder of his father.
The congregation heard of the pride and adoration held for Shane by his father – who is still recovering in Cork University Hospital – his late mother, and two other brothers. A photograph of Mr Murphy attending a match at Anfield was placed on his coffin, and some attendees wore the jersey of his beloved Liverpool FC.
The coffin was draped in a Pitch and Putt Ireland flag – he had won multiple national pitch and putt titles, often travelling to tournaments with his father, who was also a titlewinning player.
Fr Charles Nyhan called him ‘an honest man, a kind-hearted person, thoughtful of others, and respectful to all’. He said: ‘He was just a wonderful example of how to carry your talent, no matter how great it is.
‘We think too of how Jesus spoke from the cross, “Father, forgive them”, he prayed for those who caused his death by crucifixion,’ adding, ‘Likewise we pray with Jesus today, Father, forgive him who caused the death of Shane.’
John Tracey, the chairman of Shane’s pitch and putt club Rocklodge, spoke movingly of the bond between Shane and Weeshie.
‘It seems to all that Shane’s winning was more for his dad than it was for himself,’ he said.